“Menk” Educational and Cultural NGO

About the organisation

«“Dance Lessons in Schools” Educational Project

The “Dance Lessons in Schools” project has been implemented by Menk Center for National Culture (CNC) for approximately two years. The aim of the project is to promote Armenian national culture, revitalize community life, and enhance youth engagement with traditional culture and folk dances.

We have visited 9 schools in Yerevan and 8 schools in the regions of Ararat, Lori, Aragatsotn, Gegharkunik, and Kotayk.

Each participating school receives three visits:

During the first two visits, we introduce the cultural meaning and historical background of Armenian dances and teach students how to perform them.

During the third visit, we organize a grand final event with live music by the Taghpar orchestra, performances by the main ensemble of the Menk national dance group, and a ceremonial gift presentation, including books by Ashot Aghababyan personally signed by the author.

School selection is conducted through a competitive process, where the school with the most public votes is declared the winner. Prior to launching this competitive model, we selected schools at our own discretion for approximately one year.

The project is officially approved by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.

Activities

Education and capacity building (workshops, trainings, educational programmes)

Conservation and restoration

Heritage tourism (guiding, touring)

Research